How To Navigate Any Airport (A Beginner's Guide to Catching Flights)

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Navigating an airport can be overwhelming at the best of times and I want to help you with knowing what to expect no matter what airport you may be flying from. Airports should be really exciting places - they are the gateway to new adventures and foreign destinations.
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I'm Christianne, a solo traveller, vlogger and entrepeneur from Surrey, UK. I spend half my time exploring new places around the globe with my backpack, and the other half creating videos about my experiences, what I'm packing, solo travel advice, money budgeting tips and anything else in relation to my backpacking lifestyle.
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[@kristena824]

I haven't been in an airport in years, and I've never had to navigate an airport by myself before, so this was very helpful and reassuring.

[@fay1347]

hi, have you gone by urself yet? just wondering how it went and anything i should look out for?😊

[@kristena824]

@@fay1347 it went absolutely fine the first time, and I've since flown by myself again. I'd just say make sure you know your airports rules about what can be in your carry on, and what you need to have ready to put in the tray separately when you go through security so you're prepared. For example, a few airports now let you keep your electricals, toiletries, or food etc in your bag as it goes through the machine, but most others you need to take them out and lay them in the tray.

[@fay1347]

@@kristena824 thank you!!

[@kamoriii5981]

This was so unbelievably helpful! Thank you. Could you perhaps do a video explaining what to do if you have multiple stops? Ex. London to Singapore to New Zealand? And what to do once you arrive and collect your bags ? 😁

[@morrighanh]

On my recent holiday I discovered that in Google Maps you can add a pin to your location to save your parking spot! So when you come back home and are walking through a giant car park, you can click that parking pin and head towards it! So helpful, as its inevitably more accurate than a note of "area A, row 165" etc! Would recommend! Just click your little blue current location dot and click "saving parking". You can also add a note to it. When you're home, you can clear the pin 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@BackpackingBananas]

Amazing tip!! 🥳🥳🙏🏼

[@celestelmcdonald]

OMG, a plane etiquette video would be great. also you get used to going through security and the body scanners when you work at an airport

[@BackpackingBananas]

I’ll add that to the list then ☺️ hahaha I can’t imagine ever not being a bit nervy

[@pinkwiddow4749]

Can’t thank you enough! I’m travelling to Thailand for my birthday and haven’t been to an airport since I was 10 years old. This really helped my anxiety and put me at ease, now I get to experience more planning euphoria as I make an itinerary for our trip!

[@teamdukki1629]

how did it go?

[@ItIsAnt]

How was it

[@Minny_Winny]

Question… if you have luggages to check in at the check in counter, is their a point to check in online because you’ll still have to go through the queue?

[@CharlotteEliza]

This is really helpful. I'm flying solo first time this month and I'm kinda stressed about getting the plane. I always just followed my family in the past😂 Thanks for making it easier. I look forward to your future vlogs.🥰😀

[@aaronbonogofsky4463]

My cheat code for airports is show up ridiculously early and wing it. 😂

[@BackpackingBananas]

Hit the nail on the head 😂

[@empoyn]

such a helpful video ! i’ve always been too scared to solo travel or go with friends cause i had no idea how to get through the airport !!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Ah im glad I can help ❤️❤️ hope this makes you feel a bit more at ease!

[@TheDramacist]

All the petite women traversing the inconveniently huge & hectic airport alone, put your dainty hands up! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@abuqadr629]

As a big, buff, hairy male: 🙌🏻

[@paulprice7482]

You are so right. No matter how many times you go through airport security over the years there is always that moment of blind panic when you pray to yourself 'no cavity search' over and over

[@BackpackingBananas]

Hahaha ALWAYS

[@markcarey8426]

Brilliant! A month ago I went NZ to Oz and back and it was all these things. Especially feeling like a criminal. And getting there early yes, totally agree. Except I was so early check-in hadn't opened so couldn't find it and went into a panic and went through security with my bag and eventually had to be escorted back out again. But yes, I experienced all these things. Should've watched your vid before going. But excellent advice, beautifully presented. Congrats, and thanks.

[@MillaExplores]

Great video and very clear advice! I'd call myself an airport veteran haha and yes, still get a bit nervous when they scan my bags for anything suspicious. I think one thing to add is if you have too little time to eat or drink something, you can always take it with you on the plane. AND if you have a flight where you have to pay for food, I'd just buy food from the airport because it's usually better than on the plane and take it with me as a snack on the flight. Because we don't wanna fly hungry - or thirsty for that matter, so remember to fill your water bottle after security, many airports have drinkable water from the tap. 😄

[@BackpackingBananas]

Ohh yes that’s a great tip! ❤️

[@TheShauNanigans]

Just don't buy something that stinks up the plane. Tuna sandwich? How dare you?! Speaking from experience. It is not great fun to post up next to someone who has really stinky food.

[@RosyRosie42]

I’m pretty sure you’re younger than me, but you gave off such Big Sister energy in this video! I’m about to take my first flight in many years, so I’m watching all the prep videos. This was much-needed; thank you!

[@ElijahNetzel]

I found this video so helpful. My first international flight is November of this year, been watching numerous yotube videos for helpful tips. I shall check out more of your channel too!

[@billmccaleb7481]

Airports 101! Lol You're such a great presenter!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks Bill! ☺️

[@jaynes77]

I'm 56 and haven't travelled alone before. Considering it next year! I love your videos. I'm so nervous haha x

[@BackpackingBananas]

Ahh amazing 🤩🤩 well done for stepping outside the comfort zone! ❤️🙏🏼

[@jaynes77]

@@BackpackingBananas ❣x😀

[@TheMightyBill]

I have extreme travel anxiety regarding airports so this helped a ton thank you! is getting out the airport the other side much faster/easier?

[@jaimetarne9436]

At the airport this last week. I, as always, had the app up with my boarding pass. In fact was texting with my niece and she told me that no one prints boarding passes anymore, as i was sitting near the gate. Obviously had gone throughntsa etc. Was traveling carry on only somdidnt check bags. When suddenly my appmstarted acting up, i couldnt access anything. But luckily, i did print out my pass (yes an old habit that i have not given up along with my hotel reservations and copies of my passport in the bottom of bag). I was able to pull it out and get on my flight. Phew. So guess i will continue to be old fashioned while embracing any new technology. Btw, this is not the firat time this app has not worked before flying. And i am a many decades long traveler in case you wondered.

[@BackpackingBananas]

Phhewww close call! Well done for having the backups 👏🏼👏🏼

[@annalang5687]

I can never go to the aiport less than two hours in advance it gives me so much anxiety I admire people who can (but usually they are also the ones who have plenty of stories about missing their flights)

[@BackpackingBananas]

It’s just not worth the stress hey 😅

[@impeRAtoR28161621]

Please talk about travelling, not tech, surfshark want save you from hacking 😂

[@LisaBambi]

In case you want your boarding pass printed out but you‘ve already passed security, the gate can print ist out for you ☺️

[@Maddie_123abc]

Will my earring make it go off? I haven’t been to a airport since I was 5

[@Sheridoncluse]

All great advice! I travel quite a bit and take a flight once a month and these are all things I do as well. Clear is extremely helpful here in the states, also global entry!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks for sharing 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@DollyJohanne]

I was thinking about you when I was on the bus today, and got home to a new video 🥰 Thank you for sharing! Loved it! Love from Johanne, Norway 🇳🇴

[@VeggieGamer]

Thanks for this! I am on the spectrum and find the idea of going to the airport honestly terrifying, so this was super useful! On a side note, that is an AMAZING channel name!!

[@austincore]

Yea sameee

[@alejaz8403]

Once you go pass departures, and your flights at say: 2pm amd you gone through 1pm, where can you relax and shops and know where togo? How long shiuld u relax for?

[@BackpackingBananas]

In most airports, there are seats and benches to relax in as well as shops and restaurants. Keep an eye on the departures board because that will show your gate and when/if it’s boarding! That Will give you a good indication as to how much time you have to relax after security ☺️

[@faughnan1]

Always remember one of my first ever solo city breaks a long time ago. Was fully prepared for landing at Dusseldorf International Airport. Did not realise at the time there was a 2nd airport (Weeze) a long way outside the city. As my plane was landing in the middle of nowhere, all I could do was laugh 😂

[@BackpackingBananas]

Oh boyyy, easy mistake though!

[@Nanichaa]

Wow what an amazing video! So much info and so many details! Good job! Ps. i am airport staff so i should know all this

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thank you 🥰 ahh I’m thrilled I’ve got the airport staff approval! 😅🙏🏼❤️

[@rrmediavlog]

Cool video and great explanation and very useful sis 🤗👍 always keep smiling 🤗🤞❤️

[@KingVormster]

So True 🎉🎉🎉

[@seeul8rwaynekerr]

Find an airport with free parking for motorcycles. That means avoiding like the plague anywhere owned by Manchester Airport group. I.e Manchester or Stansted.

[@bananaallergyeja]

If ur flying within the same country (US) Do i need to go to passport control??? Bc im not really using a passport???

[@michaelfilippi1520]

How much protien smoothies are you at in your living foundation? Also I love mountain goats 🐐. I'm not going to deal with your pride and your selfishness so much emotional pain. 😢

[@Al3xTrucho20]

For Americans I highly recommend getting a Travel credit card with lounge access. Its definitely worth it.

[@haxter3]

Awesome video Christianne 😊👍👍

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thanks Haxter ☺️

[@darlenedeluca7850]

My very first Plane ride, 2 visit my son n my Five Grandchildren 2 ! 🥰💓❣💯% ! 👌

[@Devon-yb8mq]

I love your British accent. It's pretty.

[@xweetokfairy]

I have no intention of flying but I like watching Christianne's tip videos

[@bethmeredith]

Well, I appreciate these tips. I had been missing seeing your videos as I have been subscribed for years and when I didn't get any notifications I figured maybe you were taking a break and finally realizing it had been at a least a month without seeing any notifications from your channel I investigated and found that somehow unbeknownst to me I was unsubscribed and have no clue how that happened still but I'm back now. I see you attended Ach and Lia's wedding and you looked great I might say. I am catching up on missed videos now and just wanted you to know the unsubbing was not intentional still have no clue how or why that happened. Hope you are well. xx

[@babugrg2782]

i have a flight this wednesday... am traveling aloone annnddd yea i am screeaamming in my head :p ... love this video, very informative and your karisma, thnx

[@HalimWander]

unless someone cannot read..than it would be a trouble

[@ambarrose]

I already had the airport experience a handful of times but I've been meaning to do a 1st flight with a couple of friends who never tried it before and this video is really handy for both parties. I haven't boarded a plane in a few years and they are newbies. Watching this video will help them relax and understand what is going on.

[@megan0123456]

I have not been on a plane for 14 years due to claustrophobia developing. Any tips on best place to sit etc would be great, even if you think it’s worth upgrading to business would be handy to know.

[@BackpackingBananas]

Oh no 😢😢 I can deffo make a video on being the airplane and best places to sit!

[@megan0123456]

@@BackpackingBananas thankyou, I’m sure there’s a strategy to it!

[@cornellcornell1]

@@megan0123456upgrade to business

[@nastienastieful]

Is there always passport control? I've only flown once and I can't remember it.

[@sanctifiedsessions3518]

This is a great video, thank you sm for this lol 💕 Aspiring flight attendant that has NEVER flown 😭😅

[@darlenedeluca7850]

Christmas Vacation! plane ride,1 st one! 🎄✈👍👌!

[@edenseraphina6156]

This is so handy thankyou so much. I've only traveled a few times as a child but now I'm 20 Im going to tenerife at the end of the year with my partners family so this is super handy to understand how to get around an airport

[@davidcross47]

Superb and informative video Christianne, good job ✅

[@seandesmond5560]

Great tips, wonderful Christie!!! 💖

[@charlottew705]

thanks for this! im moving to Australia this weekend from UK... I've never flown alone before (im 19) ... im very nervous (and a bad flyer!)

[@BackpackingBananas]

Ahh that’s exciting! You got this 💪🏼💪🏼

[@luneluna99]

Thanks a lot I really needed that video !

[@beauty_eating]

Hi sister..😊

[@Minksy1989]

Going on my first holiday in July . This video has settled some nerves . Thank you.

[@austincore]

how was it

[@amelia-empoweredhypnothera5180]

This is great! I work with Care Leavers and often they get to adulthood without having been lucky enough to travel abroad and this would have been perfect for a young lady I knew who went on a solo trip for her first holiday abroad! If you had an AirTag, I guess you could leave one in your car? I struggled to find my car at the end of Glastonbury and wish I had one! 😂

[@BackpackingBananas]

Ohhh an AirTag in your car is a great idea 😅 I hadn’t thought of that!

[@Minny_Winny]

I cannot thank you enough! Having my first solo airport experience in a few weeks and this has just come in at the right time! Unbelievably helpful 😊

[@austincore]

how did it go

[@judithraymond1]

Thank you for the advices! I watched a lot of your videos. Im going in Thailand for the first time in November. If I have a layover in BKK (Koh samui -> BKK -> Dubai -> Mtl), but I dont have the same airline company for my first et second flight, should I claim my baggage to check in and go throw security again? I booked my ticket with Expedia and not seperatly. Thanks again

[@BackpackingBananas]

Normally yes, you’d have to pick up your bags but it should tell you this on your flight confirmation. And if not, you will find out when you check your bags in for that first flight - the attendant will tell you how far your bags will travel before you reclaim them! It’s not absolutely impossible that your bags go all the way through to your final destination, i believe it depends on what affiliations the airlines have with each other ☺️

[@judithraymond1]

@@BackpackingBananas thank you so much for your quick answer 😊

[@THEEnfantTerrible]

I’m interested in the plane etiquette video 🙋🏼‍♂️

[@BackpackingBananas]

Okay noted 😎

[@wolverinescratch]

I've slept in Dubai airport it was nice

[@BackpackingBananas]

Lovely airport 🥰

[@frawldog]

🍌

[@IzzyInMiami]

All this video need was add fuel to the traveling urge.

[@BackpackingBananas]

🙈🙈

[@fatimairfan1510]

thanks for your video really helpful, i have a question unno the gate number are they on our passport

[@BackpackingBananas]

Sometimes, but normally not. But you can always find this information on the departure boards at the airport ☺️

[@fatimairfan1510]

@@BackpackingBananas kk thanks is that sometimes I find it hard to read small writing :)

[@matttv94]

Personally I’m always early to the gate but try to be the last on the plane, this means that if there are any free rows left I get a row to myself :)

[@BackpackingBananas]

Love that

[@matttv94]

@@BackpackingBananas also if it’s an airport you haven’t been to before I usually allow an extra 30 minutes so I’m not stressing.

[@celestelmcdonald]

your videos on Airport tips are gold. and some of these are so true

[@BackpackingBananas]

Thank you 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@lou_lou1448]

This is perfect as I'm going on holiday to Korea and Japan on Saturday 😊

[@BackpackingBananas]

Amazing 😍😍 I hope you have the best time!

[@lou_lou1448]

@@BackpackingBananas Thank you so much ☺️

[@BRIYONCE1]

Keep making travel videos please.

[@BackpackingBananas]

More coming very soon!

[@jimbojimbo6873]

Honestly thank you so much

[@BackpackingBananas]

Pleasure 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@w_w_whitey]

Very comprehensive - nice job!

[@BackpackingBananas]

☺️❤️

[@Mythee]

what do we do when we get off the plane (needing a United States from UK answer)

[@austincore]

did u do it

[@Mythee]

@@austincore yeah i kinda just figured it all out by myself, it was pretty common sense, i was just paranoid as it was my first time being a solo flyer and im 19 lol

[@austincore]

@@Mythee ohhh same, i will be flying solo too i’m 18

[@Mythee]

@@austincore yeah don't stress about it, your terminal and gate will all be on your ticket, and there are signs everywhere in like every airport, most of it is actually just common sense, but don't be embarrassed to just ask someone that looks like airport staff, they probably get asked like 50 times each shift haha

[@swaggery]

All I learned so far is avoid travelling through the United States if it's at all possible. Literally every single time I had a connecting flight there, there's like express baggage claim, express baggage check-in, immigrations (even though I'm there for less than 2 hours), and security. There's a decent chance the staff will be rude and literally yell at you for no reason as well.

[@BackpackingBananas]

Haha this is true, I also try to avoid layovers in the US if possible!

[@leobenjamin7950]

Have you come to the sunny coast yet?

[@BackpackingBananas]

My video from Noosa is coming up next in the channel ☺️

[@leobenjamin7950]

@@BackpackingBananas awesome!

[@davidsalmeron5512]

Hello

[@BackpackingBananas]

Hi 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@chloereed2434]

Wheres the best place to change your money for a holiday?if you dont mind. This was SO helpful. You've just answered what so many are often too embarrassed to ask thankyou so much!

[@BackpackingBananas]

Ahh I’m so pleased, that’s exactly what I made the video for 🙏🏼🙏🏼 I would shop around a few prices in different places in your hometown, travelex, the post office, eurochange. Honestly I prefer to just get cash out from a local ATM in my destination most of the time though - I should make a whole new video on this 😅

[@isabelvargas7580]

[@georgiahulme]

Can you do this for all travel thing’s particularly sleeper buses and trains getting on the right trains and buses is the biggest thing I’m stressing about on my first solo trip